The United States Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois recently announced it is reviewing restaurants in Chicago and the suburbs to ensure the facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Public accommodations such as restaurants must comply with ADA requirements so that they are handicap accessible.
If you are unsure whether your restaurant is fully compliant with the ADA, now is the time to check. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, restaurant owners found non-compliant will have the opportunity to voluntarily upgrade their facilities to meet ADA requirements and, if they do so, they will not be penalized. Owners and operators who are found to engage in a pattern of discrimination or who refuse to voluntarily upgrade may face civil lawsuits and be subject to fines and penalties.
Importantly, several Chicago attorneys are also filing private actions alleging violations of the ADA. We urge you to give this matter your immediate attention – ADA lawsuits are costly to defend or settle. If you have questions about your restaurant’s ADA compliance, contact us at (312) 216-2720 or info@marcusboxerman.com.